Ontario Votes 2007: Interview with Green candidate Marion Schaffer, Oakville

Monday, September 24, 2007

Marion Schaffer is running for the Green Party of Ontario in the Ontario provincial election, in the Oakville riding. Wikinews’ Nick Moreau interviewed her regarding her values, her experience, and her campaign.

Stay tuned for further interviews; every candidate from every party is eligible, and will be contacted. Expect interviews from Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, New Democratic Party members, Ontario Greens, as well as members from the Family Coalition, Freedom, Communist, Libertarian, and Confederation of Regions parties, as well as independents.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Ontario_Votes_2007:_Interview_with_Green_candidate_Marion_Schaffer,_Oakville&oldid=1891056”

Ways You Can Avoid An Ugly Divorce

byphineasgray

When couples reach a point they decide they no longer want to be married it’s time for them to pursue a divorce. Staying in a miserable marriage is not an option. With tension and stress already being rampant, it’s a good chance the divorce process could get ugly. Step back, think about what’s best for everyone involved before creating a bunch of unnecessary drama that could cause a lot of ugliness in your life. Here some suggestions on ways to keep your divorce from getting ugly.

The first thing you will need to do is hire a Divorce Lawyer. Finding a Divorce Lawyer in Rapid City can be done by looking in the yellow pages of your local phone book. You may want to contact several of the lawyers in the area and compare prices.

Secondly it’s probably best for the two of you to reach an amicable agreement. Once you determine which Divorce Lawyer Rapid City you want to use, you should go ahead and file a joint petition. Try to agree as best you can on the terms of your divorce. The more you argue the point, the more drama you will have surrounding the divorce. No one wants to continually disagree and constantly argue.

If for some reason or another you cannot agree on the terms of your divorce, you may want to ask for help from a mediator. A mediator can help the two of you reach an agreement that will protect the rights of both parties involved.

Think about your children first. If there are children involved, the two of you need to communicate with one another as parents of these children. Doing what’s best for your children should be a top priority.

Divorce can be a very emotionally trying time for couples. It can also be stressful for your children and other family members. Instead of making a bad situation worse, try and turn the bad situation into a positive one. If you and your spouse have decided that the marriage isn’t working and decided on divorce, you both really need to handle the entire situation as any responsible adult would.

Canada’s Don Valley East (Ward 33) city council candidates speak

This exclusive interview features first-hand journalism by a Wikinews reporter. See the collaboration page for more details.

Saturday, November 4, 2006

On November 13, Torontonians will be heading to the polls to vote for their ward’s councillor and for mayor. Among Toronto’s ridings is Don Valley East (Ward 33). One candidates responded to Wikinews’ requests for an interview. This ward’s candidates include Zane Caplan, Shelley Carroll (incumbent), Jim Conlon, Sarah Tsang-Fahey, and Anderson Tung.

For more information on the election, read Toronto municipal election, 2006.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Canada%27s_Don_Valley_East_(Ward_33)_city_council_candidates_speak&oldid=798572”

HIV-positive man receives 35 years for spitting on Dallas police officer

Sunday, May 18, 2008

An HIV-positive man was sentenced to 35 years in prison Wednesday, one day after being convicted of harassment of a public servant for spitting into the eye and open mouth of a Dallas, Texas police officer in May 2006. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that no one has ever contracted HIV from saliva, and a gay-rights and AIDS advocacy group called the sentence excessive.

A Dallas County jury concluded that Willie Campbell’s act of spitting on policeman Dan Waller in 2006 constituted the use of his saliva as a deadly weapon. The incident occurred while Campbell, 42, was resisting arrest while being taken into custody for public intoxication.

“He turns and spits. He hits me in the eye and mouth. Then he told me he has AIDS. I immediately began looking for something to flush my eyes with,” said Waller to The Dallas Morning News.

Officer Waller responded after a bystander reported seeing an unconscious male lying outside a building. Dallas County prosecutors stated that Campbell attempted to fight paramedics and kicked the police officer who arrested him for public intoxication.

It’s been 25 years since the virus was identified, but there are still lots of fears.

Prosecutors said that Campbell yelled that he was innocent during the trial, and claimed a police officer was lying. Campbell’s lawyer Russell Heinrichs said that because he had a history of convictions including similarly attacking two other police officers, biting inmates, and other offenses, he was indicted under a habitual offender statute. The statute increased his minimum sentence to 25 years in prison. Because the jury ruled that Campbell’s saliva was used as a deadly weapon, he will not be eligible for parole until completing at least half his sentence.

If you look at the facts of this case, it was clear that the defendant intended to cause serious bodily injury.

The organization Lambda Legal (Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund), which advocates for individuals living with HIV, says that saliva should not be considered a deadly weapon. Bebe Anderson, the HIV projects director at Lambda Legal, spoke with The Dallas Morning News about the sentence. “It’s been 25 years since the virus was identified, but there are still lots of fears,” said Anderson.

The Dallas County prosecutor who handled the trial, Jenni Morse, said that the deadly weapon finding was justified. “No matter how minuscule, there is some risk. That means there is the possibility of causing serious bodily injury or death,” said Morse. Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins stated: “If you look at the facts of this case, it was clear that the defendant intended to cause serious bodily injury.”

Contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in transmission of HIV.

A page at the CDC’s website, HIV and Its Transmission, states: “HIV has been found in saliva and tears in very low quantities from some AIDS patients.” The subsection “Saliva, Tears, and Sweat” concludes that: “Contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in transmission of HIV.” On Friday the Dallas County Health Department released a statement explaining that HIV is most commonly spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, or transfusion from an infected blood product.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=HIV-positive_man_receives_35_years_for_spitting_on_Dallas_police_officer&oldid=1982884”

Quick Weight Loss Plans For Teens, Teens Lose Weight Quick And Healthy

By Isis Laros

When you are a teenager that is struggling with weight problems, we have the solution for you; with the easy to follow quick weight loss plans for teens.

The most important thing for you, right now, is to stay away from all these unhealthy ways to reduce weight, like weight loss pills, stackers, etc.

First of all we will introduce you to some simple tips to follow quick weight loss plans for teens now:

Keep Away From Fast Food:

Avoiding fast food can be quite a task, particularly for teens because this type of food is simply addictive. The more fast food you eat, the more you want. Also carbonated soft drinks count in this matter. These drinks also have a nasty side effect, sugary drinks makes your body want fat, and fat makes your body want something to drink. This is the vicious cycle effect. Hence, it is very important to learn to eat healthy when you are still young because once you get hooked onto fast food it becomes really difficult to let go off this addiction. If you can bring up the courage to avoid fast food, then this will certainly help you as an adult later on.

Many adults who are overweight began starting to eat this fast food when they were young. Probably their parents did not know how to eat healthy, but this does not necessarily mean that you cannot change your habits. Always remember, life will be much easier if you learn to eat healthy when you are still young.

Lay Off Sweets:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nsIxEFVA-4[/youtube]

When eating sweets is just your thing, think about how much sugar these candy bars and ice creams contain, those sweets will surely put on weight fast. Fortunately there are alternatives, like sugar free candy or fruit. If you are craving for something sweet have that instead.

Expand Your Activities:

Most of you teens might not have the money to join a fitness club but what you can do is take part in activities that happen in school. This will give you at least enough opportunity to exercise each part of the body. Sports come in various choices when it comes to activities; i.e., soccer, softball, tennis, athletics and more.

Do Your Exercises:

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to lose fat. The thing is that walking also keeps you fit and most importantly healthy.

Buy a pedometer and attach to your waist, this will help you to keep track of how much you have walked. Don’t start of with to long distances, but let your body accumulate to it. You can begin with a mile or so and then when you feel comfortable with it, you can increase this with a mile a week.

Exercises like fitness and aerobics, does not always mean that you have to build that perfect body with beautiful muscles all over. There are tons of things you can do to get some exercise right at the comfort of your own home. Do some light aerobic exercises in your living room. You can also get the whole family involved in an activity like this, because exercise is healthy for everyone regardless of their age or sex.

What matters for you is to get the whole body to move and so ultimately gets the heart to beat faster and pump more blood. That is exactly what will help you burn those extra calories.

Eat Healthy Food:

Eating green, fresh vegetables is a sure good way of staying healthy. The benefit of this is that you will get all the required vitamins and calories and lose weight in the process. Be sure you don’t go on an all out vegetarian diet. Having fish, eggs, meat is also a necessity because these kinds of foods provide you with all various important minerals and proteins to the body. This will ultimately help you to become fit and lose the extra weight.

Quick Weight Loss Plans For Teens:

You see the most healthy way to reduce weight is to eat healthy and regularly exercise.

But as you may know, not everybody is the same. Not everyone is dealing with the same problems, some want to get over their obesity problem, some people just want to lose a little weight, etc.

The only thing that is certain is that you will need a dieting program with a personalized approach.

So if you are really serious about losing weight, this next thing is the best, Quick Weight Loss Plan For Teens. See My Author Box For The URL.

About the Author: Isis is an expert in the field of weight loss products and plans, in her daily life she is working as a dieting consultant. If you want to lose weight quick, read Quick Weight Loss Plans For Teens, The Fast and Healthy Way To Lose 10 Pounds in 7 Days.

Source: isnare.com

Permanent Link: isnare.com/?aid=308962&ca=Wellness%2C+Fitness+and+Diet

Canadian government employee faces criminal charges in leak of environment plan

Thursday, May 10, 2007

A Canadian government employee of Environment Canada was arrested Wednesday for criminal breach of trust with respect to a leak of the Conservative government’s green plan days before it was due to be made public.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested the unidentified male employee following a complaint from Environment Canada’s security department. The department alleges that a secret draft copy of the government’s regulatory framework, Climate Change Section of the Eco-Action Plan, had been leaked to the media prior to being released officially to the public.

“An employee who violates the terms of their workplace security clearance, including the release of secret documents, may be subjected to legal consequences, including criminal charges,” said Superintendent Stan Burke, officer in charge of the RCMP’s financial integrity division. There was also concern that if the details were leaked, securities laws could be compromised if stock trades were made based on privileged information.

Environment Minister John Baird was forced to reveal details of the government’s climate change plan on April 24, in an opinion piece published in the media. The move came after a copy of a speech describing the plan was faxed by mistake, a day earlier, to an opposition Liberal party member and environment critic, David McGuinty. It is not clear whether the police action Wednesday was related to that incident.

The RCMP stated that the matter remains under investigation and, as such, no further details would be released at this time.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Canadian_government_employee_faces_criminal_charges_in_leak_of_environment_plan&oldid=4573751”

Technology giant Microsoft completes acquisition of GitHub

Monday, October 29, 2018

On Friday, US-based technology giant Microsoft confirmed acquisition of software code hosting and version controlling website GitHub. The announcement was made by Microsoft via their official blog, which also mentioned Nat Friedman was to become new Chief Executive Officer of GitHub.

Microsoft had announced plans to acquire GitHub for a price of 7.5 billion US dollars (USD) on June 4. On October 19, the European Union’s regulators approved the acquisition. According to the June announcement, Microsoft was to pay the amount in stock.

After Microsoft made the announcement, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella tweeted, saying, “I’m thrilled to welcome GitHub to Microsoft. Together, we will continue to advance GitHub as a platform loved by developers and trusted by organizations.”

In a GitHub blog titled “Pull request successfully merged. Starting build…”, Nat Friedman said making the platform “accessible to more developers around the world” as well as “[r]eliability, security, and performance” were in “top of mind for” them. He also stated, “GitHub will operate independently as a community, platform, and business” and “will retain its product philosophy”, keeping “its developer-first values”. He also wrote today was to be his first day as GitHub’s CEO.

Friedman was previously the CEO of Xamarin, a software company that allows developers to create native iOS, Android and Windows phone applications written in the C# programming language. Microsoft acquired Xamarin in 2016.

According to Friedman’s blog, GitHub is used by more than 31 million developers worldwide. Technology giants including companies like Airbnb, Apple, Google, Facebook and Microsoft itself have been using GitHub for their open-source projects. However, on May 31, days before Microsoft announced plans for GitHub acquisition, desktop environment software GNOME completed moving from GitHub to GitLab, another software code sharing, hosting and version control providing website, a competitor of GitHub.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Technology_giant_Microsoft_completes_acquisition_of_GitHub&oldid=4445357”

Glasgow cannabis enthusiasts celebrate ‘green’ on city green

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Coinciding with Easter Sunday, Glasgow Cannabis Social Club’s annual 420 event was held on Glasgow Green, under sunny blue skies, and overlooking the river Clyde. Despite the city’s council attempting to revoke permission for the gathering at the last minute, police were happy for it to go-ahead with approximately a dozen officers attending in high-visibility vests.

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The Daily Record reported five arrests were made for minor offences, likely smoking and possession of small quantities of cannabis. Taking a less-sensational — and more accurate — line of reporting, the Monday edition of Glasgow’s Evening News stated five were referred to the Procurator Fiscal who is responsible for deciding if charges should be brought.

Official figures provided by the police were that 150 attended. With people coming and going, Wikinews reporters estimated upwards of 200 attended, compared to nearly 700 who had signed up for the event on Facebook. Hemp goods were advertised and on sale at the event, and some attendees were seen drinking cannabis-themed energy drinks.

“I was searched and charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act (which is a lot of bollocks)” one attendee noted online, adding “not fair to happen on a brilliant day like it was, other than that I had a great day!” A second said they were openly smoking and ignored by police, who “were only really focusing on people who looked particularly young”.

Cannabis seeds were openly and legally sold at the event and a hydroponics supplier brought a motortrike towing an advertising trailer. Actually growing cannabis is, however, illegal in the UK.

With the event openly advocating the legalisation of cannabis, speakers put their arguments for this to a receptive crowd. Retired police officer James Duffy, of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, spoke of the failed United States alcohol prohibition policy; stressing such policies needlessly bring people into contact with criminal elements. Highlighting other countries where legalisation has been implemented, he pointed out such led to lower crime, and lower drug use overall.

One speaker, who produced a bottle of cannabis oil he had received through the post, asserted this cured his prostate cancer. Others highlighted the current use of Sativex by the National Health Service, with a cost in-excess of £150 for a single bottle of GW Pharmaceuticals patented spray — as-compared to the oil shown to the crowd, with a manufacturing cost of approximately £10.

Similar ‘420’ pro-cannabis events were held globally.

Retrieved from “https://en.wikinews.org/w/index.php?title=Glasgow_cannabis_enthusiasts_celebrate_%27green%27_on_city_green&oldid=3759078”

Car Warning Lights: Is My Car Going To Blow Up? Myths &Amp; Facts

By Theodore Olson

Todays vehicles are equipped with an array of warning lights. Of course were all familiar will the seat belt warning and the door ajar indicator; however, with the automotive industrys technological advancements there are a number of warning lights that can be quite alarming.

Following is a Question and Answer Guide on some of the more common Warning Light concerns. Note: due to the frequency of the Check Engine Warning Light, it has a section all its own. Visit www.repairtrust.com/check.html.

1) SRS Light (Supplemental Restraint System): the supplemental restraint system is your Airbag System. It may incorporate a variety of active, passive, and even pre-safe technology depending on the vehicle. Given that the SRS System is a safety system, it is well monitored with numerous sensors and automatic self-tests. The slightest malfunction in this system illuminates the SRS light.

“Can the vehicle be driven with an SRS Light on?” Yes, at the owners risk. There are thousands of vehicles on the road without SRS technology.

“Is the airbag going to blow up?” Its unlikely. When the SRS Light is on the system is inoperative.

2) ABS Lights: The Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light is another common occurrence in todays vehicles. The ABS system helps to keep you from skidding out of control during braking by limiting your wheels from locking up/skidding.

The ABS system is often integrated with traction control and stability systems, all of which are designed to keep you safe during panic stops, wheel slippage, and handling.

“Do I need brakes?” You might, but thats not why the ABS Light is on. The ABS Warning System does not monitor disc brake pad or disc brake rotor wear (see the Padlight Warning section below)

“Can the vehicle be driven?” Like the SRS system, the vehicle can be driven at the owners risk as there are many vehicles still on the market without the enhanced safety features of ABS.

“Why is my ABS light on? How do I reset the ABS Light?” These are simple questions with a multitude of answers depending on the vehicle in question. For a QUICK and FREE solution, follow the information and guidelines for Resetting Check Engine Light, and apply them to your ABS light.

3) Low Coolant Light: The Low Coolant Light will come on when the coolant drops below the coolant level sensorgenerally one to two quarts. If this light is on, there are two primary possibilities. The most common is a coolant leak. The other is an electrical fault in the warning lamp circuit. Have them checked out.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SywTy1GZYw0[/youtube]

“Can it be driven?” If there are no major leaks, the vehicle is not overheating (and does not start to overheat), and there is still some evidence of coolant in the overflow bottle, it can be driven. If you can see coolant leaking on the groundtow it. When in doubt, always tow it!

4) Red Oil Light On: Stop driving immediately and shut the engine off! If a Red Oil Warning Light comes on PAY ATTENTION.

The best case scenario is that your engine oil is a little low. The second best case scenario is that there is an electrical issue with the Oil Level Warning System circuit.

First, follow your owners manuals instructions to check your oil. If low, add as recommendedmake sure you dont see it dripping or pouring out on the ground, which would indicate a major engine leak.

If the oil is not low and your engine is making ticking, knocking, or unusual noises, Tow it!

If everything appears ok, and youre a bit of a gambler, it may just be an issue with the warning lamp circuit. In this case, get your vehicle checked out at your earliest convenience.

The worst case scenario is internal engine damage.

Note: many of todays vehicles have very sensitive and sophisticated Oil Level Warning Systems. You may be alerted of oil level too high, or oil level too low. Again, refer to your owners manuals instructions.

So whether its a 1993 Ford Aerostar Check Oil Light, or a question of Why does oil light flash in Saab automobile, PAY ATTENTION!

5) Red Brake Warning Lights: Generally, Red Warning Lights mean DANGER. In the case of a Red Brake Warning Light, there may be a hydraulic brake fluid leak. If the brake pedal feels abnormal or spongydont driveTow It!

“Can I drive it?” If the car is stopping ok, and youre a gambler, go ahead. If the brake pedal feels different than usual, or if the vehicle is not stopping properly, dont drive it!

Note: make sure that your emergency brake is not on or partially engaged, as this will illuminate a Red Brake Warning Light.

6) Yellow Brake Warning Light (Padlight): This is an early warning system for brake pad wear. Essentially, as your disc brake pads wear down, at a certain point a sensor is tripped to alert you that you will need brakes soon.

“Can I drive the vehicle, and for how long?” Yes, you can continue to drive. How long depends on your driving style. City drivers (city driving is generally harder on brakes due to the constant stop and go) will likely need their brakes addressed before someone who does primarily highway driving.

“Will I do more damage to the brakes?” Depending on how long you continue to drive you could conceivably wear your disc brake pads down to the metal backing plate, which could then damage your disc brake rotors and, in rare cases, the disc brake calipers. However, with many of todays brake systems, the replacement of the disc brake rotors along with the disc brake pads is required or strongly recommended.

Important: It is better to have your brakes checked early to increase the possibility of saving money by not having to replace the rotors. However, many of todays brake disc pads and rotors require replacement not due to wear, but due to rust and corrosion; thus rotor replacement is often necessary anyway. Brake calipers rarely need replacing during regular brake work.

7) Air Suspension Lights (Airmatic, Air Ride, Hydraulic Suspensions): Suspension Warning Lights illuminate when the suspensions monitoring system has detected a fault. Often there is a leakeither air or hydraulic fluid.

“Can I drive it?” Sometimes. But if the suspension is lower than usual, and/or the vehicle just doesnt feel rightTow It! Extensive damage could result if the suspension drops too low while driving.

Note: air suspension system repairs are best left to the best, state-of-the-art service center you can find, preferably a dealership.

8) Tire Pressure Warning Light: This recent technological development causes quite a bit of confusion. Put simply, if your tire is getting low on air, your car lets you know via sensors mounted in various places depending on the model.

“What is the low tire pressure warning light reset procedure?” Sometimes the reset procedure is as simple as pressing a button. Other times one has to set the tire pressures, recalibrate the on-board computer, genuflect and cross two fingers. Check your owners manual or call a specialist or dealer.

Note: Local shops and franchises (for the most part) lack familiarity with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems given that this is a fairly recent technological development. You can refer to How to Reset Check Engine Light, and follow the tips, and suggestions for getting it reset.

9) Emission Warning Light: This light is similar to the Check Engine Light. Many European models such as Volvos have this type of Warning System. Its essentially letting you know that an emissions component has failed or detected a fault. Follow the Check Engine Light information and tips to address this particular warning light.

Note: make sure you take it to a shop equipped to handle emissions work.

10) Resetting Oil Lights (Oil Change Warning Lamps): Whether its a Toyota Oil Light Procedure, an Oil Change Warning Light Reset 2005 GMC Envoy, or the process to Reset 1999 M3 Oil Service Light, all require a specific course of action.

Most owners manuals have this information. You should find it under maintenance or oil service. You can also call your local mechanic, who resets oil service lights everyday on a variety of models. A dealership will certainly have the information; however, finding someone in a dealership who can translate it effectively may be difficult.

If the above fails, see the process for Resetting Check Engine Light.

Note: several European models require special tools to reset the oil service light, thus its best to call or visit a specialist or dealer.

Note: This information is not a substitute for your vehicles owners manual. It is meant to be a general guide. Always refer to manufacturer vehicle-specific guidelines.

Note: PAY ATTENTION to how you are billed for any of the above warning concerns. Because of their technical nature they can get unnecessarily very pricy, quickly.

About the Author: Theodore P. Olson (Ted) holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, GM, and ASE. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry.

Common Auto Repairs Price Guide

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=89429&ca=Automotive

Former science director sues Texas over intelligent design e-mail

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Christine Comer, former director of the science curriculum for the Texas Education Agency (TEA), is suing the Commissioner Robert Scott for wrongful dismissal. Comer alleges that she was “illegally fired for forwarding an e-mail about a lecture that was critical of the teaching of intelligent design in science classes.” Her suit alleges she was “terminated for contravening an unconstitutional policy” which required “employees to be neutral on the subject of creationism – the biblical interpretation of the origin of humans.”

The Dallas Morning News reported, “The policy was in force even though the federal courts have ruled that teaching creationism as science in public schools is illegal under U.S. Constitution’s provision preventing government establishment or endorsement of religious beliefs.” Among Comer’s supporters is Philosopher and National Center for Science Education speaker Barbara Forrest who was the presenter at the lecture Comer mentioned in the email.

News 8 Austin reported, “The TEA was not available for comment late Wednesday.”

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